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Presbyterian Women at the United Nations

Presbyterian Women has Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the United Nations body responsible for initiatives for the advancement of women. The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is a functional commission of ECOSOC, dedicated exclusively to gender equality and advancement of women. It is the principal global policy-making body and, as a member of CSW, Presbyterian Women has a responsibility to be represented at the annual CSW session in New York to evaluate progress, set standards and formulate policies to promote gender equality and the advancement of women worldwide.

Presbyterian Women's Special Consultative Status at the United Nations provides an opportunity for Presbyterian Women in the Church

to work effectively for the empowerment of women which is essential to reducing global poverty and promoting world peace

to add our voice to other Christian voices at the United Nations and advocate for those who do not have a voice

to make a difference in the implementation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in the world

to comment on Government and international policies though alternative or shadow reports which are sent directly to the United Nations

to network nationally and internationally on issues such as gender justice, the empowerment of women and girls, and gender equality

In 2008 Presbyterian Women (APW) became a member of the Ecumenical Women Coalition (EW) which is made up of churches, ecumenical organisations and individuals at the United Nations who focus on religion and human rights from a gender perspective. Each of the EW members works within their own traditions to raise the status of women and focus on gender equality. Being a member of EW means that Presbyterian Women joins a group of other Christian voices in advocating at CSW.

If you would like to know more about the work of the United Nations Committee or are interested in applying to be a self-funded member of a future delegation (usually held annually in New York in early-mid March) please contact: